Hexham and Newcastle Diocesan Department for Education

News and Updates

Laudato Si’

Many of our schools have been exploring Pope Francis’ encyclical, ‘Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home’ This display from St. Cuthbert’s Primary School, Chester-le-Street was part of their ‘Healthy Week’ work which focused on keeping our world healthy. Schools are invited to send us photos of their work on the encyclical and their call to stewardship of God’s creation.

New Chaplains

Five new schools chaplains have been inducted by Bishop Séamus. They are Julie Wilmore, St. Godric’s Primary School in Durham, Joshua Kelly, St. Benet Biscop School in Bedlington, Adam Morales, St. Joseph’s School in Hebburn, Donna Broxup, St. Cuthbert’s Primary School in Kenton, and Tercy Thomas, St. Aidan’s in Sunderland. They are pictured with Bishop Séamus and Fr. Michael McCoy who is responsible for school chaplaincy.

The Diocesan Department for Education held the annual conference for Headteachers, Deputy Headteachers and Clergy at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead on 9 and 10 November 2017. The event was attended by 176 delegates and included keynote speeches on ‘The Mission of Catholic Schools in the World Today’ from Fr Paul Farren from the Diocese of Derry, and Fr Adrian Porter SJ, Director of the Jesuit Institute.

The conference closed with the celebration of Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral with Bishop Séamus as the main celebrant. This was also an opportunity to celebrate the retirement of Joe Hughes, Director of Education, and his 43 years of working in Catholic education.